Keywords
cadherin, cell-cell adhesion, immersed boundary method
Abstract
The actin cytoskeleton plays a role in cell-cell adhesion but its specific function is not clear. Actin might anchor cadherins or drive membrane protrusions in order to facilitate cell-cell adhesion. Using a mathematical model of the forces involved in cadherin-based adhesion we investigate its possible functions. The immersed boundary method is used to model the cell membrane and cortex with cadherin binding forces added as linear springs. The simulations indicate that cells in suspension can develop normal cell-cell contacts without actin-based cadherin anchoring or membrane protrusions. The cadherins can be fixed in the membrane or free to move and the end results are similar. For adherent cells, the actin cytoskeleton must play an active role for the cells to establish cell-cell contact regions similar to those observed in vitro.
Original Publication Citation
Physical Review E79(3): 031918 (2009)
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Dallon, J. C.; Newren, Elijah; and Hansen, Marc, "Using a mathematical model of cadherin-based adhesion to understand the function of the actin cytoskeleton" (2009). Faculty Publications. 2679.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/2679
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2009
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5505
Publisher
American Physical Society
Language
English
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Mathematics
Copyright Status
©2009 American Physical Society